For most women having an annual mammogram isn’t exactly on the top of their list of fun things to do, but for early detection of breast cancer, it’s a necessity according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Every Friday in October Banner Lassen Medical Center has been hosting Manicures, Mammograms. and Massages, making the mammogram experience not just about getting a mammogram, but about a day of pampering.
The event includes a mammogram, a massage, a manicure and a gift basket. This year Deena Waddell from Elite Salon donated her time to give the manicures and ‘Massages by Olga,’ performed the massages.
At each event the waiting room is also filled with cookies, coffee and tea and provides a serene place to relax with other women waiting for test. This year the hospital made the shift to scheduling people every 15 minutes every Friday in October instead of an open first come first serve approach featured in the past.
“Scheduling people has really made a difference,” said Teri Bortel, Imaging Manager and Banner Lassen. “We have about the same number of people, and that is good because they are taking an active role in early detection.”
One volunteer and breast cancer survivor Cindy Millar works at the event every year and believes early detection and treatment can save your life if you are diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
” I am a 52 year old 4 year survivor and because of the excellent treatment I have received from all my health care providers I am not concerned about reocurence,” said Millar. “I will continue to get yearly mammograms because I believe early detection and treatment is the key to survival.”
Even if you can’t make it to the manicure, Mammograms and Massages event, you can still call and schedule a mammogram any time throughout the year at Banner Lassen Medical Center.
According to the American Cancer Society, about 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women were detected in 2012. If you are given the diagnosis, finding the cancer early will allow for better treatment. Right now there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
“If you are diagnosed,be aggressive in your treatment, be positive in your outlook, try to exercise some,” said Millar. “Find at least one reason you want to get through this and make that a goal.”
